Liverpool FC soccer legends in Quincy

Former Liverpool FC strikers Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler joined Liverpool FC Foundation coaches Monday at Camp Harbor View in Quincy for a youth soccer clinic. Liverpool FC is in town to play Italian giant AS Roma Wednesday night at Fenway Park.

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By Ryan Wood

The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

By Ryan Wood

Posted Jul. 21, 2014 at 10:49 PM
Updated Jul 21, 2014 at 10:54 PM

By Ryan Wood

Posted Jul. 21, 2014 at 10:49 PM
Updated Jul 21, 2014 at 10:54 PM

» Social News

QUINCY – Not every day do two of the biggest names in English Premier League soccer history come to town, let alone hold a clinic for nearly 400 kids.

Liverpool FC is in town to play Italian giant AS Roma Wednesday night at Fenway Park. As part of the club’s U.S. tour, it holds interactive soccer clinics for at-risk youths.

“I think it’s fantastic,” said Rush, who holds the record for career goals at Liverpool (346) in 660 appearances. “We did this two years ago and to see the people two years later more interested in soccer, it shows what the (Liverpool) foundation is doing for them. It’s all about enjoying themselves, keeping themselves fit and healthy, and it’s great to see the smiles on the faces. If they learn one skill for the day, then we’ve done our job because they are going to go away and practice that, so when they come next time, they’re doing it automatically.”

Fowler, who had two spells with Liverpool, recently returned to the club, this time as an official club ambassador. His work as ambassador includes supporting club-wide initiatives, going to matches, and mentoring the Liverpool Academy players. His ambassadorial duties kicked off this week with the team’s arrival in Boston.

“I think everyone always associates whenever a big team comes over to certain countries, everyone just assumes that they’re going to come over and play football and go home and just forget about the place, but Liverpool is all about the communities and laying foundations and leaving lasting legacies,” Fowler said.

“It’s really enjoyable. I think everyone loves being a part of it. I think the (Liverpool) Foundation does so much for the club, and I give them so much credit because it’s fantastic what they do.”

During his career with Liverpool, Fowler scored 183 goals in 369 appearances with the club. He made 26 appearances for England between 1996 and 2002. Monday, he taught the next generation of soccer players the skills he learned as a youngster.

“To be honest, the younger you do start, and the more you do the fundamentals of football, it’s going to be a lot easier when you get older,” Fowler said. “And when you do get a bit older, there’s nothing stopping you from still learning.

‘‘So any advice I would give to kids or kids who are a little bit older (is) if you want to play football, just keep trying. You never know what’s around the corner. Listen to your coaches, and you still can get to where you want to be.”

Page 2 of 3 - Fowler may best be known for scoring the quickest hat trick in Premier League history. He tallied three goals in 4 minutes and 39 seconds on Aug. 29, 1994, against Arsenal. The record stands today.

“It sounds silly, but it happened so quick, you never really have time to digest what was happening. It was not until after the game that I realized the significance of it,” he said. “I want Liverpool to win many trophies. I want Liverpool players to score many goals. But this hat trick in four and a half minutes is one I want to keep. It’s a record I’m quite proud of.”

Fowler also talked about the success of the U.S. men’s national team, its performance at the World Cup in Brazil, and what it all means for the state of soccer in the U.S.

“I came over here two years ago and I’ve always said football is about to take off in this country,” he said. “You’ve seen the success of the American team in the World Cup. We all loved watching them. They were really exciting. I still firmly believe it’s a matter of time before football over here becomes massive. The stadiums will be absolutely electric.

‘‘When Americans get behind something, they go at it full throttle, and they are so passionate. It wont be that long before the American league (Major League Soccer) is one of the best leagues.”

After the success that his former club had last season in the Premier League, finishing second to Manchester City and missing out on its first-ever Premier League title by just three points, Fowler feels that fans will be more excited than ever to see Liverpool play Roma Wednesday at Fenway Park.

“Seeing the season we had last season, I’m sure the people will get even more behind the club. I think the support we have over here is fantastic,” Fowler said.

Rush, who played 73 matches and scored 28 goals for Wales during his international career, is also looking forward to Wednesday’s game. He enjoys seeing local Liverpool supporters getting to watch their favorite team here in the U.S.

“We don’t want to get in and get out of countries. We want to give the supporters the chance to see the first team play and a chance to meet legends,” Rush said. “That’s what the club is all about.

‘‘Not everyone gets a chance to come to Liverpool, so we’ve got to bring Liverpool football to them, and by doing that, the fan base grows better. We’ve got the history and everyone knows the history, but we see ourselves as a family club.”

Page 3 of 3 - In addition to the buzz Liverpool has created with its arrival this week in Boston, news came out of England Monday that Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard retired from international competition with England. The 34-year-old captain played 14 years for England, making 114 appearances.

“I’m a little bit gutted to be honest,” Fowler said. “With Steven, I’ve always loved watching him play. He always excites me when he puts on a Liverpool shirt, when he puts on an England shirt. For me it’s a sad day because I still think he’s an unbelievable player. It is Steven’s choice and I think we all have to respect his decision. Not everyone will agree with him, obviously, but what we should remember is the unbelievable career he’s had with England and good luck to him.”

Rush offered his thoughts and also noted Gerrard’s loyalty to Liverpool. He grew up playing for Liverpool’s youth academy and has played his entire club career – nearly two decades – for Liverpool.

“I’m being biased, but from a Liverpool point of view, I’m very happy. Steven’s had an absolutely fantastic career for England, but your body can only take so much,” Rush said. “From a Liverpool standpoint, he can now put Liverpool first and he’s going to do that. For me, he’s got a couple years left in him. He’s got the Champions League to play in (this year), so we need Steven’s experience.

‘‘There’s not many like him. Just his loyalty alone goes to show what he feels about Liverpool. He typifies Liverpool Football Club. He puts his heart and soul into everything.’’

Liverpool will hold a special open training session at Fenway Tuesday, beginning at 6 p.m. All proceeds from the $15 admission to get into Tuesday’s training will go to the Liverpool FC Foundation.